SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES WATCHDOG A110 (01) PDF MANUAL

SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES WATCHDOG A110 (01) PDF SUMMARY:

How do you connect the A-Series loggers to a computer?

The A-Series loggers don’t use the standard gray PC interface cable. You will need the A-Series PC Connection Cable (Item 3661A). The cable is a serial USB cable and requires a driver installation prior to use. After installing the drivers, if you plug in the cable before you start SpecWare (or leave it plugged in), SpecWare will automatically find the COM port used by the cable. The 2.5mm stereo pin connects to the jack labeled “Com” on the data logger. The jack labeled “Ext” is reserved for an external sensor (if applicable). The only time you must have the WatchDog connected to the computer is during the launching and downloading of the data logger. After the logger has been launched, and/or downloaded, disconnect the logger and place it in the environment you wish to monitor.

What is an important note for the A125 and A130?

The A125 and A130 logger models use the same physical logger. The logger is designed to read temperature as the external sensor. For the A130 logger, the Leaf Wetness sensor value is saved in the logger as a temperature, and is then translated back to a leaf wetness value by SpecWare.

What software version supports the WatchDog A-Series loggers?

SpecWare software version 9.01, Builds 206 and above support the WatchDog A-Series loggers, except the A130, which requires version 9.02. Previous builds of SpecWare 9 can be updated via the free downloads available at http://www.specmeters.com. The software version can be checked by selecting “About SpecWare” from the Help menu.

Why must WatchDog A-Series Loggers have a unique serial number that SpecWare can read?

Because the loggers do not have the ability to save the Location Name, SpecWare uses the serial number to remember the Location you assign. Therefore, a duplicate serial number can cause two loggers to overwrite each other’s data.

What do you do the first time an A-Series logger is read by SpecWare?

An initialization screen will open. Enter the serial number printed on the back of the logger. Logger Models A125 and A130 are physically the same. The Model A130 must be electronically marked so SpecWare knows to translate its external sensor signals to a leaf wetness value. For the A125 and A130, please select the corresponding model number before clicking the Initialize button. The screen remains open so you can initialize several new loggers as a batch.

What happens the first time an A-Series logger is connected to a PC?

SpecWare will ask for a location name. If you are planning to launch loggers with one PC and read them with another, you may wish to use the default name of model-number-serial-number to make tracking easier.

How do you launch the loggers?

The launch screen is used to configure the logger and activate it so it can collect data. The launch screen can be accessed by selecting the “Launch WatchDog A-Series” option from the Logger menu or clicking the icon on the SpecWare toolbar. Select the logging interval (ranging from 1 to 120 minutes), and ensure all channels are enabled before clicking “Ok” to launch the logger. You may also choose to Delay the start of logging to a later time.

How do you download the loggers?

The download sequence is initiated by selecting the “Get WatchDog A-Series data” option from the Logger menu or by clicking the icon on the SpecWare toolbar. When the download is complete, the data will be saved in the location defined for that logger.

What happens whenever a file is opened?

SpecWare will automatically generate a chart. You will be given the choice of which parameters are to be plotted. The Tools menu gives you access to a variety of standard and user-defined (SpecWare Pro only) reports.

Where can the WatchDog loggers be located?

WatchDog loggers have the versatility to be located in any micro-climate for recording weather data. The sensors and the mini-radiation shield include hardware for attaching them on a 1” to 1¼” outside diameter mast (pipe). Use a 5’ – 10’ length of conduit or pipe as the mast mount. When purchasing and/or cutting the mast to size, plan on placing 1½’ – 2’ of the mast into the ground. For outdoor and greenhouse use, the logger should be placed in a 3663A Radiation Shield to protect it from solar radiation and other sources of reflected heat. The radiation shield also protects the A125 and A130 loggers from rain.

How do you place the WatchDog into the radiation shield?

Unscrew the two finger-nuts and remove the top of the radiation shield. Important: External sensor wires connect to the logger from the side at the point where the top and bottom sections meet. Secure the external sensor wires to the mast just below the radiation shield with a plastic tie to ensure that the sensor wires do not become disconnected while recording.

Why won’t the logger connect with the computer?

The logger may need a new battery or the COM Port settings may need to be changed through SpecWare software. You also may have the cable plugged into the “Ext” (sensor) port instead of the “Com” port.

Why is the A125 or A130 logging invalid or out-of-range values?

The A-Series loggers require special models of the external temperature and leaf wetness sensors. If the sensors designed for other WatchDog models are used, or if the external sensor is not plugged in, the logger will not read properly. Also, the Model A130 logger requires SpecWare 9.02. Using an earlier version will result in invalid data.

Can you use the external port of the WatchDog Model A125 or A130 to monitor rainfall or other sensors?

No. The external port is only set up to be connected to a temperature sensor (for the A125) or a leaf wetness sensor (for the A130).

How do you replace the battery?

Each WatchDog A-Series Data Logger is powered by a 3 volt Lithium CR2 battery. The battery has a life of over 12 months continuous use. It is user replaceable and can be purchased locally, as it is commonly used in photographic equipment. To replace the battery:

1. Remove the four screws on the back, then the cover.
2. Replace the battery, ensuring it is oriented so that the +/- marks on the battery match those on the inside of the battery location.
3. Replace the cover and the screws.